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Step 1
Choose sand specially made for a child's sandbox--it should say this on the label. If you purchase sand for construction work, you'll get dirty, dusty sand that doesn't mold well. Sometimes, the label will say "clean sand" or "play sand."
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Step 2
Know how much sand you'll need. Too much sand, and you'll get sand all over your backyard. Too little, and you'll have to run out to buy more. Smaller, plastic sandboxes you can purchase for a few dollars at toy stores are usually good at two to four bags of sand.
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Step 3
Realize that you don't have to worry about silica in sand. When silica is ground into tiny particles (like in industrial settings), it can enter the lungs and cause lung cancer. But the silica in play sand is large enough not to enter the lungs.
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Step 4
Consider purchasing fine gravel rather than sand for your sandbox. It's easier to keep kids clean in the gravel, and you may be able to prevent it from getting everywhere in your house.
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Step 5
Think about purchasing colored sand, such as moon sand. While expensive, this sand is easy to mold and easy to clean up after.
